Innovative Dentistry in Tacoma Mall Blvd

Meet Our Dentists | Dentist Tacoma Mall Blvd

Steve Marinkovich, DDS
D. ABDSM

Dr. Marinkovich grew up in Tacoma and graduated from the University of Washington (both undergrad and dental school). He has authored and lectured on several topics. For the last twenty years plus, he has taken a special interest in the treatment of Sleep Disordered Breathing and has the distinction of being board certified by the prestigious American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. His practice is one of the few in the United States that has received accreditation by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He is the only dentist presently in Western Washington with both those prestigious distinctions. Dr. Marinkovich has limited his practice to only Sleep Apnea for the last four years.

Besides being honored with fellowships in both the American and International Colleges of Dentists, he was a member of the Washington State Board of Dental Examiners (which ensured quality dentistry for the citizens of our state) for six years, including five additional years as an Agent. He also served as the president of that Board. He presently is in full time practice and until recently served part time on the clinical faculty at the University of Washington Dental School in Restorative Dentistry (he taught for nearly twenty years). He currently serves on the Pierce County Dental Society Board of Directors.

The only dentist/office in the South Puget Sound who has both Diplomat status with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and is accredited by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine which is a nonprofit organization.

Dr. Marinkovich is an active member of

Dr. Rich Opler

Dr. Richard Opler grew up in Washington and graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle. He earned his bachelor’s degree at New York University with a double major in History and Economics. While attending NYU, Dr. Opler served as a 5th grade math and English instructor in a public after school program as well as volunteered at the New York City Rescue Mission. After college, Dr. Opler worked in Seattle developing medical equipment for persons using wheelchairs. He was admitted to the dental school after scoring in the 99.7th percentile on the Dental Admissions Test.

Dr. Opler believes in evidenced based dentistry, where dental treatments should be recommended to patients based upon the most current clinically relevant research. He has worked to further the body of dental knowledge and has been actively involved in dental materials research since 2010. Dr. Opler has had his work with implants and dental cements published in the International Journal Oral Maxillofacial Implants and in the textbook "Cementation in Dental Implantology: An Evidence-Based Guide". In 2016, Dr. Opler was the recipient of an award from the Academy of Dental Materials.

Dr. Opler prides himself in providing quality care to his patients and being active in his community. He volunteers his time to provide free dental services to those experiencing homelessness at the Union Gospel Mission. He enjoys spending his free time mountaineering as well as camping with his wife Laurelle and his dog Chris. Dr. Opler was delighted to join Light Dental Studios in 2016 and is an active member of:

I have never felt so welcomed and relaxed at a dentist office. Everyone here is so friendly and accommodating. They really make you feel apart of them. They are beyond willing to make sure you are comfortable and always take the time to understand your needs and expectations.

Christina B.
From Yelp

I have never been a fan of dentist they scare me! But from the second I walked in every staff member made me feel welcome and they all made sure my experience was second to none!!! Is it weird im looking forward to going back!

Tami M.
From Yelp

Through the whole process, every one of them continually asked if I was okay and asked if there was anything they could do for me. The procedure didn't hurt a bit, thanks to the doctors listening to their patient. A rare find today. I cannot say enough about the professionalism and efficiency of this office!

Loretta L.
From Yelp

Amazing! Had an emergency, walked into their office, BOOM! Instantly taken care of and was provided with some of the best care I have ever experienced. Staff is friendly and genuine and their fun! My teeth will definitely see brighter days with this crew!

Nicole M.
From Google +

I am kind of a fearful patient. They talk to me and treat me like a person explain everything well. They are reassuring, and let me know if I need a break. They manage my fear.

Andy L.
From Google +

Light Dental seems to be much more efficient, with up to date tools and technology than other places my friends go to. I am happy to find a place that can handle both kids and adults, and make our dental experiences easy, and stress free.

Flaig K.
From Google +

Great place to go to have your dental experience. I'm relocating to another state and I'm considering flying back to the state of Washington to see this dental office for any future work, cleaning or recommendations. I trust this place and I wouldn't want to go anywhere else.

Leif Q.
From Google +

The doctor and the staff are very courteous and extremely professional. They do everything they can to make me feel comfortable during my appointments.

Donna M.
From Google +

I am very happy with their services they provide me. I have been to several other dentists but they are the best, I really enjoy my visits in their office.